Wood Ranch Elementary School

My children are students at Wood Ranch Elementary and they are doing fabulous. They are not gate either. They get the attention they need and the teachers stay connected to the parents. This year the school started with a new Principal. Wow am I surprise on how involved she is. She comes to every family event interacts with parents and children to make everyone feel welcome and special. She has an incredible open door policy and take constructive comment seriously. The PTA is very strong with their involvement. They do a phenomenal job at fund-raising and choose to spend wisely for the children. In this day in age finding an incredible public school may be hard but I'm glad to be here at Wood Ranch Elementary for my children's public education.
--Submitted by a parent

My child went to Wood Ranch a few years ago. I had to pull the child out because of bullying - not from children but from teachers. If your child is a hand in lap, wait your turn type of student, he or she will be fine. If not, our feeling was to have them challenged else where.
--Submitted by a parent

Great commited teachers. Ground are beautiful. Parent involvement is very high and the PTA is very active and driven to help every child acheive greatness.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with this school. We find Mr. Todo to be extremely reasonable and open to parent discussion with an appointment. I have found the same to be true of the teachers. I think there may be some sour grapes from parents who feel they don't get to "run" the school and demand certain unimportant things and have the staff and principal roll over and allow it. The PTA is strong and has great activities for the students and families. This is a strong school with a strong vision and it is reflected in the high caliber expectations. :)
--Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic. We are very happy here, and are impressed with both the academics and the administration. There are now more extro-curricular activities available which is good. Yes, they cost extra, but it's the times we live in. We are fortunate to have access to such a great public school.
--Submitted by a parent

Wood Ranch is a solid, well performing school in a state that unfortunately does not value high quality education. The system does not incentivize for better teacher performance, and this is why you see good and bad teachers, even at Wood Ranch. I don't believe it helps teacher morale or shows respect to the principal when they have to deal with parents who complain about things like whether their kids can sit with their friends at lunch. The focus should be about education, and I'd rather the teachers and principal focus their time and energy on that. Wood Ranch's challenges are no different than any other school's, but we are lucky to have a great community with good families to supplement the system. I would definitely rate Wood Ranch above average, without a doubt.
--Submitted by a parent

We loved the school and the teachers before Mr. Todo took over. The teachers my children have had and have this year have all been great! They all have cared deeply about all the children and communicate very effectively with the parents. Mr. Todo the principal who took over in 2009, cut back the Friday school assembly, won't allow siblings to watch each others performances during school hours, and makes up other idiotic rules that seem to just be to demonstrate his powers. When confronted his usual response is "THIS IS MY SCHOOL!" For this school year he decided that the children should not be allowed to eat lunch with their friends but instead be forced to sit at assigned tables. Most staff and parents agree that this is ridiculous and counter to the the general principles of child development.
--Submitted by a parent

In general I am happy with most of the WR teachers, although a few are very lazy. There is no extra curricular activities and the principle and pta do not spend the money on the kids they receive from the parents. There was a new phone system put in this past school year though. There is a lack of communication from the principle and he seems to only associate with the PTA leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with Wood Ranch Elementary School. The teachers are caring and supportive, as is the rest of the staff. They may not initiate unnecessary contact with parents, but we like that, as the PTA does not run the school. The teachers go above and beyond for the kids and challenge students who need challenging. Go Wildcats!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent at this school for now 3 years. Acedemics at this school are OK, but not great. The staff is generally nice, but if you do not have an 'in' with them, then you are not going to receive much information other than what is generally sent. For the most part, the teachers are wonderful. Volunteering at this school is a must. The lower grade teachers need the help and ask for it. I have not found that to be the case for the upper grades. WR has started to offer several extra curricular activities for after school. The problem is the cost. You must pay for everything if you want your child to participate. If you have three children at the school it becomes VERY expensive. With the new principal, things have started to turn around for the better. Very happy with Mr. Todo!
--Submitted by a parent